The present invention provides a novel regulator-valve combination which can be quickly coupled to form a rigid, leak proof, gas pressurization system. Although throughout the description provided herein, reference is made to a beveragedispensing system, it is to be understood that this invention can be utilized in any type of gas pressurization system which can be adapted for use with compressed gas storage cylinders. In addition, even though reference may be made to the use ofcarbon dioxide gas, the invention can be used with any gas desired. In a beverage dispensing system it is mandatory that a completely foolproof and safe arrangement be provided. This is especially true in a home dispenser system wherein the average person is required to operate and maintain the system whichincludes the changing of the pressurized gas storage cylinders. Thus, a simple and completely foolproof system is required to eliminate danger to the individual operating the system regardless of his knowledge or background. Since there is considerablepotential energy stored in a pressurized gas system, extreme care must be provided in the design of the components to provide the maximum safeguards for use of the regulator and valve assembly.
The carbon dioxide pressurization system which is described herein for use with a beverage dispenser provides the pressurization and motive force for transferring the fluid beverage syrups or concentrates from their containers and through thedispenser nozzle as desired, as well as carbonating the water mixed with the syrup. The pressurization gas which is stored in a pressure cylinder usually has a gauge pressure within a range of 800-3000 psi depending upon the gas used. The actualworking pressure within the syrup storage bottles and carbonator is much lower and usually within the range of 30-100 psi. This lower pressure in the operating system is desirable from a safety standpoint and for quality control of the beverageproduced. It must be remembered that if the beverage is to be used in the home environment, nontechnical individuals are required to operate the system and to maintain and replenish the syrup and pressurized gas cylinders. For this reason, the lowestpossible operating pressure is desirable in this type of system. The present regulating and shutoff valves provided in the present invention are ideal for this use but can be used in any other pressurization system where exact pressure control and rapidpressurized gas bottle replacement convenience is desired.
This invention is primarily directed to a pressure regulator and a quick-coupling apparatus provided for joining a regulator and cylinder valve for operation and mounting. Most beverage dispensing systems are mounted within a bar or under acounter wherein the bottles containing the syrup, carbonator and pressurized gas cylinder are stored and concealed from view. The regulator of the present invention is arranged to the rigidly or semi-rigidly mounted to the cabinet or bar at a sufficientelevation above the base to allow clearance for the intended pressurized gas storage cylinder. The regulator can be mounted on a mounting plate or bracket which in turn can be attached or mounted to the cabinet. The bracket can have quick releasefasteners which allow the regulator to be removed from the bracket, if desired. Usually, a flexible hose is connected from the outlet of a high pressure regulator to the inlet connection of a secondary, lower pressure regulator for pressurizing thesyrup containers.
In order to pressurize and maintain the pressure on the system, the compressed gas storage cylinder valve is slidably coupled to the regulator and the cylinder is held upright on the cabinet base. A pivotable retaining yoke having an adjustableretaining screw is positioned over the valve and the retaining screw is turned inwardly to contact the cylinder valve and push the regulator boss into the valve to automatically open a biased shutoff poppet contained within. A peripheral seal isprovided around the boss of the regulator to automatically seal the high pressure gas connection between the valve and regulator. With the apparatus provided in the present invention, a storage cylinder can be quickly attached to the system in a safeoperating manner. The pressurized gas is introduced automatically to the pressure regulator upon connection of the cylinder without the necessity of manually opening or closing any valve.
The valve provided on the high pressure gas storage cylinder includes a safety burst disc mounted in the body of the valve to prevent over-pressurization of the cylinder which can occur during the filling operation or if heat is accidentallyapplied to the cylinder which could greatly increase the pressure of the gas contained therein. In the present arrangement, a vented safety plug is threadly inserted into the body of the valve with the burst disc designed for separation at a pressurewhich is the same as the maximum safe operating pressure for the cylinder.
The cylinder valve contains a slidable poppet which is biased so that the poppet and its associated seal is held in a closed position against a valve seat. This design is provided so that the pressurized gas within the cylinder will assist inapplying a force against the poppet to hold the poppet in the closed position. The application of a counter force on the poppet will cause the poppet to move away from the seat, allowing the gas to exit through the outlet of the valve. This outlet isprovided in the form of a passageway which is designed to fit a boss on the associated pressure regulator.
The pressure regulator which is used in the present invention is a biased diaphragm-type regulator wherein the spring biasing force can be adjusted by means of a threaded cap. A center eyelet is provided through the diaphragm and is arranged sothat the diaphragm can slidably move with respect to the eyelet so that any excess pressure which might exist within the cavity of the regulator can be vented. A pivotally mounted valve having an outwardly extending arm is arranged within the regulatorcavity. The valve can pivot toward or away from a valve seat to variably control or stop the flow of gas through a passageway extending inwardly from the inlet boss. The arm of the lever is positioned within the eyelet so that movement of the diaphragmwill control the valve movement to control the gas flow and thus, downstream pressure. An outlet fitting is provided in a port in the regulator cavity for the attachment of a hose or tube for pressurization of the dispenser containers.
With the mounting arrangement provided for the storage cylinder in the present invention the pivotable retaining yoke is of major importance in that it permits the sideways attachment of the gas cylinder in a confined space. The arrangement alsoprovides a rigid and safe method for mounting the storage cylinder to minimize the danger to the operator.
As an additional feature of the present invention, a pressure fill adapter is provided for easy and quick refilling of the storage cylinders with compressed gas. The adapter includes a pivotable yoke which has a retaining screw and a valveconnecting boss provided at the opposite base end. A flexible fill hose is connected to the boss through a passageway provided in the base end. The fill boss and yoke is identical to that provided on the system pressure regulator and includes an O-ringand groove provided on the outer surface for sealing against the internal bore provided in the cylinder valve. In use, the boss of the adapter is positioned in the opening of the valve and the pivotable yoke is placed in retaining position. Thethreaded retaining screw is turned inwardly so that the tip is positioned against the valve causing the fill boss to be inserted causing the valve poppet to be opened to allow pressurized gas to flow into the storage cylinder.
The high pressure gas in the fill boss can open the poppet by itself without the fill boss mechanically contacting and opening the poppet. This occurs when the force from the gas pressure exceeds the spring biasing force and causes the poppet toback away from the seat and open. This arrangement may be desirable to allow the cylinder valve to automatically close even without removal of the fill adapter when gas flow stops during the fill process.
The internal openings within the cylinder valve of the present invention are intentionally oversized to permit increased flow of gas and liquid during fill and pressurization use. This allows for rapid transfer of the gas and filling of thecylinders. It is emphasized that the explanation provided herein and the apparatus which is described is not intended to be limited to use only with carbon dioxide gas but any suitable gas desired for the intended purpose. This invention can be used withany pressurized system in which it is desired to provide a quick-disconnect installation of gas storage cylinders to a gas pressure regulating device in a safe, nonhazardous manner.
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